State Required Assessments
The Wyoming Department of Education requires certain tests each year. These assessments help families, teachers, and the state understand how well students are learning grade-level expectations.
WY-TOPP Summative Assessment
Who Takes It: Students in grades 3-10
When: Each Spring
What it Measures:
- English/Language Arts and Math (grades 3-10)
- Writing (Grades 5, 7, and 9)
- Science (Grades 4, 8, and 10)
When the Results are Available: Official scores are provided to school districts and families in the fall
How Results are Used: WY-TOPP shows how well students met Wyoming learning standards and includes a growth score that shows how much they improved compared to similar students
ACCESS
Who Takes It: Students learning English as a second language
When: Each Winter
What it Measures: Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
When the Results are Available: Official scores are provided to school districts and families in the fall
How Results are Used: ACCESS helps schools track English language growth and determine language support services
ACT
Who Takes It: All 11th grade students
When: Spring of their junior year
What it Measures: College readiness in English, Reading, and Math
When the Results are Available: Typically available within a month after the test is taken
How Results are Used: Scores may be used for college admissions, scholarships, and Hathaway Scholarship eligibility
District Required Assessments
In addition to state required assessments, Laramie County School District 1 uses assessments during the year to support student learning and guide instruction.
WY-TOPP Interim Assessments
Who Takes It: Students in grades 3-10
When: Fall and Winter
What it Measures:
- English/Language Arts and Math (grades 3-10)
- Writing (Grades 5, 7, and 9)
- Science (Grades 4, 8, and 10)
When the Results are Available: Immediately
How Results are Used: Teachers, students, and families can better understand current performance and adjust instruction in areas where students need more help.
FastBridge
Who Takes It: All students in grade K-12
When: Fall, Winter, and Spring
What it Measures:
- Reading (K-12)
- Math (K-6)
When the Results are Available: Immediately
How Results are Used: The screening helps identify students who may need extra support or interventions
District Assessments (AKA GVC Assessments)
Who Takes It: Students in grades 7-12
When: Varies – often at the end of units and/or quarters
What it Measures: Skills and knowledge taught in class, based district curriculum
When the Results are Available: Teacher scored; generally within one week
How Results are Used: These assessments show how well students learned the course content and make up a significant part of the course grade